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9.09.2013

How I Work. (Myers-Briggs)

I've spoken about being an INFJ before on this blog, but I know that not everyone knows everything about every type (god knows I don't) so I thought I'd take the opportunity to explain a little more about how INFJ's such as myself function. Keep in mind that just like anything else this is not a concrete guide to a group of people, rather it's how I personally use the "tools" of my type.

First thing would be intuition: INFJ's are verrrry intuitive people and I am no exception. I use intuition for a lot of judgements and it's so second-nature that I don't even think about it anymore. Others who have known me a long time have been known to tell me about a situation or have me meet a person just to see what "vibe" I get about it.

My intuition does make meeting new people even more difficult than just being an introvert: they have about 10 seconds from the time I see them, until I make an irreversible decision about them which determines if I even see them as a human being for the rest of their life. Sometimes I've felt horribly about someone at first, only to feel guilty for being too judgey, give them a chance, and then later regret it when they turn out to be a shithead, liar, etc. So now I rarely retract my judgements, whether on people, places or situations.

Another aspect of being an INFJ that I love is feeling. Man, do we feel. I feel my way through everything. For every event I have about ten different simultaneous emotions coursing through my veins. It's not that I am not rational--I am--but problem-solving and interactions and artwork and everything has emotion at its foundation. I don't do something unless I feel emotionally motivated about it. I have no doubt that my intense overdoses of emotion have a lot to do with my depression. I know that when some people experience depression it's a black void where no emotion, good or bad, roams. With me, it's like a chronic overload of all the negative emotions ever created. It's rough.

One of my best qualities (since this is self-love year right?) that is synonymous with INFJ qualities is the way I do treat those very few that I let into my circle. Despite being an introvert and needing a lot of personal space, I feel very empty and useless unless I am helping my friends and family reach their potential in some way. I have the ability to talk to people the way they need to be talked to, and I am good at and frequently do, comfort people. Sometimes I think I'm pretty autistic and my "caring" side comes on a little strong and I hug too hard, but that's usually only after I have been introverted for months and forgot to see anyone then suddenly get lonely. I can also tell when something is wrong with a friend and will instantly try to help solve problems with them. So, while I really am apathetic about society and mankind as a whole and have no intention of changing the world, I am very adamant about making sure those I love live the best lives possible, no matter the personal cost.

Here's an excerpt that sums me up: Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals.

I don't know if I've ever met another INFJ. It's hard to tell, for me at least, what others' Myers-Briggs types are. I'm only familiar with my own, and I've never known someone who has my intuition and extreme wish to be a caretaker while also wishing to live in a dark unreachable cave where I only come out once every three months. I don't know how things would go with another INFJ; we might drown in a sea of overexaggerated emotions. I make friends with thinker types, who can ground me with their ration and logic. My first logical friend was Mr. Spock.

I took Myers-Briggs years ago, and if I remember correctly, I was an INFJ. However, I think I've changed quite a bit since then, so I wonder if my type's changed too? I'll have to look up the test soon and retake it.

My name's Alex. I'm an EMT in beautiful Utah. I'm also a dual Swedish resident. I have a passion for writing, painting, and speaking my mind. I have PTSD. I play a lot of video games. This is my place for a little bit of everything that I love.